These Dog Breeds Are So Loyal That They'll Practically Never Leave Your Side

We’ve combed through the records of many, many dog breeds to come up with this list of 40 that we reckon display the most extraordinary loyalty. Whether you’re looking for a dog small enough to fit in a purse, big enough to impress the neighbors, or something in between, you’ll find the right pooch here. Read on to discover your ideal canine pet.

40. Great Dane

The Great Dane certainly deserves its name since it is absolutely enormous. Males can grow up to 32 inches tall and weigh in at 175 pounds. Yet despite their intimidating size these dogs are “a total joy to live with” according to the American Kennel Club. But for obvious reasons, they’re probably not a good choice if you live in a compact apartment.

39. German Shepherd

You’ll regularly see German Shepherds working as police dogs and that’s because they’re bright and take well to training. They make fine family pets, too, though owners need to be prepared to exercise them often. Overall, these animals’ highly developed sense of loyalty means they’re a great dog to own.

38. Great Pyrenees

Another one of the larger breeds, the Great Pyrenees can weigh more than 100 pounds and reach a height of 32 inches. As the name suggests, this dog was bred as a working animal in the heights of the mountain range that separates France and Spain. They needed to be large since their job was to guard flocks from bears and wolves.

37. West Highland White Terrier

These diminutive dogs were originally bred in Scotland as long ago as the 1400s to hunt rats and other vermin but today they make excellent family pets. Speaking to Country Living magazine, Bill Lambert of Britain’s Kennel Club said that the animals are “a good choice for city-dwellers looking for an active, characterful, and loyal companion.”

36. Irish Wolfhound

As you’d expect, these rangy but powerful dogs with their rough coats were originally bred in Ireland for hunting wolves. Sadly, there’s no longer a wolf to be found outside of a zoo on the Emerald Isle but the dogs still make great pets. The American Kennel Club says that Irish Wolfhounds “are the most serene and agreeable of companions.”

35. Welsh Corgi

The Welsh Corgi’s perhaps best known as the pet dog of choice for Queen Elizabeth II. Her Majesty got her very first Corgi, Susan, as an 18th birthday present, the BBC tells us. Sadly, Susan passed away in 1959. Her tombstone in the royal pet cemetery founded by Victoria, Elizabeth’s great-great grandmother, is inscribed: “The faithful companion of the Queen.”

34. Beagle

Beagles have a reputation as lively dogs that love to play so they’re a strong candidate for the position of family pet. Originally bred to hunt as part of a pack, the Beagle has a long pedigree dating right back to 15th-century England. There are two sizes of the dog: standard and miniature, with the latter called the Pocket Beagle.

33. Jack Russell Terrier

So who was the man who gave these lively bundles of energy their name? John “Jack” Russell was an English vicar who bred these terriers early in the 19th century to chase foxes. He saw a terrier called Trump in Oxford and interbred her with another kind of terrier. This means that Trump was the mother of an entire breed.

32. Rottweiler

The Rottweiler has a very long pedigree. According to Britannica, the originals of this breed were left behind in the German city of Rottweil by Roman legionaries way back in the 2nd century A.D. Rottweilers have worked as police dogs and are also prized for their dependability as a guard dog. Properly trained, they can make pleasingly faithful family pets as well.

31. Golden Retriever

Instantly recognizable by their long, golden coats, these animals were originally bred in Scotland as gundogs. They were specifically developed as strong swimmers so they could fetch downed fowl from lakes and rivers. They’re wonderful pets as well and the Britannica website points out that they have a “friendly, gentle temperament.”

30. Poodle

The Poodle comes in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. The standard’s around 15 inches tall at the shoulder. Their thick, curly hair doesn’t cast off much so they’re a good choice for people who suffer from allergies. And of course you can give your Poodle a customized look by shaving off parts of its fur.

29. Brussels Griffon

The diminutive Brussels Griffon, standing just 7 to 10 inches tall, is classed as a toy dog. It was first bred towards the end of the 1800s in Belgium and the Britannica website says that it has “an intelligent and affectionate nature.” Brussels Griffons come in a couple of varieties: smooth-coated or stiff-haired.

28. Newfoundland

These shaggy dogs, hefty and robust, make fine family pets as long as you have the space. The American Kennel Club points out that they’ve “earned a reputation as a patient and watchful ‘nanny dog’ for kids.” They’re also known for another highly useful talent — they’re strong swimmers and can rescue humans in trouble in the water.

27. Australian Shepherd

This is a dog whose name’s a bit of a red herring. That’s because they weren’t originally bred in Australia at all but rather in the U.S. during the late 19th century. And their forbearers actually come from Europe. Cowboys use the dogs as herders, a pursuit they’re ideally suited to. As with most big dogs, owners need to be ready to give Australians frequent and energetic exercise.

26. Border Collie

The Border Collie gets its name because it was first bred along the border between England and Scotland. This region of rolling hills is well known for its sheep farming and the Collie’s an expert at herding these woolly and sometimes willful animals. Though many Collies are still at work on farms, they’re also highly valued as family pets.

25. Chesapeake Bay Retriever

American breeders created the Chesapeake Bay Retriever during the 1800s as a dog that could retrieve shot birds from freezing shore waters. Their thick coats are highly water repellent and allow them to endure intense cold. The American Kennel Club describes this breed as “a confident companion and world-class hunting buddy.”

24. Pit Bull

In spite of their controversial reputation, pit bulls will stick with you through thick and thin. According to the ASPCA, "These dogs have long been popular family pets, noted for their gentleness, affection, and loyalty." It seems like a lot of these misunderstood pups are just waiting for a loving family to come along and give them a chance.

23. Basset Hound

The Basset hound was first bred hundreds of years ago and was long the favored hunting dog of French and Belgian nobility. The dogs’ highly developed sense of smell, second only to the Bloodhound’s, makes them an ideal sporting animal. “Though they may not be wildly demonstrative in their affections,” says the American Kennel Club, “they are steadfastly loyal.”

22. Labrador Retriever

The most popular pet dog in the U.S. according to the American Kennel Club, there’s a lot to like about Labrador Retrievers. Writing in Country Living magazine, Labrador owner Sally Coulthard declared that “I’ve yet to meet a breed as loyal or loving.” She also praises the breed for being easy to train.

21. Old English Sheepdog

These extraordinarily shaggy animals were bred in England from the start of the 1700s and were mainly used to steer livestock from farm to market. Strangely, because of the popular Dulux advertising campaigns featuring this dog, it’s become inescapably associated with house paint. The American Kennel Club says they’re “great with children [and] make patient, protective playmates.”

20. Akita

With its distinctive looks and thick coat, a well-trained Akita’s valued as a family pet and guard dog. Originating from Japan, these animals can be aloof with strangers but they’re highly protective of their human family. The American Kennel Club also points out that they’re renowned for their “dignity, courage, and loyalty.”

19. Border Terrier

Essentially country dogs, wiry-coated Border Terriers take well to life in the city as well but need lots of exercise. They were originally bred as hunting animals in the borderlands of Southern Scotland and Northern England. Their hunting heritage can still quickly come to the fore when they spot a cat or a squirrel in the park so you’ll need to keep a close eye on them during walks.

18. Greyhound

The sight of a greyhound streaking gracefully across a country field is one that always raises the spirits. Of course, you can also watch these speedsters at greyhound tracks as they race against each other. They have a long and noble heritage, even being portrayed on a 5,000-year-old Egyptian tomb. And as pets, they’re valued for their placid temperament.

17. Bulldog

Bulldogs were originally bred in Britain hundreds of years ago to fight bulls, a cruel sport thankfully made illegal during the 1830s. Nowadays, of course, they’re seen as a patriotic symbol in their country of origin. In spite of their insalubrious history, though, Britannica tells us that modern bulldogs are “mild-mannered companions” that are “gentle with children.”

16. Pekingese

The archetypal lapdog, the Pekingese was specially bred for the amusement of the ruling classes of the ancient Chinese dynasties. Living in imperial palaces, they were regarded as sacred. The American Kennel Club describes these creatures, which grow no more than 9 inches tall, as “sophisticated dogs of undying loyalty and many subtle delights.”

15. Dachshund

Dachshunds can have long, wiry, or short hair and they come in two sizes: miniature and standard. They were first bred in Germany for the specific purpose of chasing badgers into their setts. Just a quick look at the physique of a typical dachshund confirms that they’re ideally suited for scampering down holes. And these dogs are also known for their courage and lively characters.

14. Skye Terrier

As its name suggests, this Highland hunting dog originates from the Isle of Skye off the west coast of Scotland. The breed has a long pedigree, dating back at least four centuries. With its distinctive long-haired looks, as well as being a working dog the Skye Terrier was often found in the homes of the aristocracy.

13. Finnish Spitz

The red-haired Finnish Spitz is a handsome creature with something of the look of a fox about it. Still mainly employed as a hunting dog in its native Finland where it’s the national breed, elsewhere the animals are prized as family pets. It earns its title the “Barking Bird Dog” because it woofs loudly when it spots game.

12. Komondor

Somewhat resembling a walking, barking rug, the Komondor has to have among the most distinctive appearances of any canine. Hailing from Hungary where it was bred to guard sheep, owners there allowed its coat to grow untrimmed as this offered protection from wolves. Impress your Hungarian friends by knowing the correct plural of Komondor — it’s Komondorok.

11. Irish Setter

With its glossy, red-brown coat, this is truly a handsome specimen of a dog. The Irish bred it back in the early 18th-century as a hunting dog that could locate and flush prey such as birds from their hiding places. The American Kennel Club praises Irish Setters as “good family dogs: sweet-tempered companions for the folks, and rollicking playmates and tennis-ball fetchers for the children.”

10. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

This toy spaniel with a royal name’s been known in Britain for centuries but Britannica tells us that its true origins lie in “ancient Japan or China.” It was King Charles II who gave the dog its name. The breed was also cherished by both Mary, Queen of Scots and Queen Victoria.

9. Chihuahua

This miniature pooch stands just 8 inches tall — at most — and, the American Kennel Club tells us, is among the oldest breeds of the Americas. In fact, it was even around in the pre-Columbian era. The Chihuahua’s a great dog for those who live in city apartments, though it’s hardly robust enough to play with unruly kids.

8. Cocker Spaniel

While small, the Cocker Spaniel’s quite robust and doesn’t quite qualify as a miniature as it stands around 15 inches tall. Originally bred as hunting dogs with a talent for chasing game birds from hiding, their earliest antecedents are to be found Spain. The Cocker’s a bundle of energy and appreciates plenty of exercise.

7. Weimaraner

Aristocratic Germans from the region of Weimar first bred these creatures during the 1800s. The animals are adaptable hunting dogs who’ve been used to hunt everything from birds to big game. And the American Kennel Club tells us that these dogs, with their gray, almost silver coats, are prized for their “friendliness, obedience, and beauty.”

6. Pug

Pugs can trace their lineage back to the days of the great Chinese dynasties when they were the favored pets of emperors. By the end of the 17th century this diminutive breed had made its way to England, brought there by Dutch merchants. The American Kennel Club says they’re “the ideal house dog” and just as well suited to city or rural life.

5. St. Bernard

These dogs have the extraordinary distinction of having rescued around 2,500 people stranded in the heavy snows of the Pennine Alps’ St. Bernard Pass on the Swiss-Italian border. They’re likely descended from animals brought from Asia to Europe during the time of the sprawling Roman Empire. And despite their formidable size and strength, they’re regarded as great family pets that are good with kids.

4. Samoyed

This dog comes originally from the frozen wastes of Siberia so it’s no surprise that it has an exceptional tolerance of cold temperatures. It gets its name from the Samoyed tribes who bred it. The creature was used as a reindeer herder and to haul sleds across the snow and ice. Britannica also gives the Samoyed credit for being “gentle, loyal, and intelligent.”

3. Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu’s full Chinese name is shih-tzu kou, which means “lion dog.” Standing just 10 inches tall, it’s hardly the size of a lion but its long golden coat certainly has the look of a shaggy lion’s mane. As the American Kennel Club puts it, “Being cute is a way of life for this lively charmer.”

2. Brittany

The lively Brittany often serves as a gundog, a pursuit that it’s eminently well suited to. So if you decide to have one of these as a pet, be prepared to give it plenty of exercise. Like many working dogs it has boundless energy. And whether you keep it as a working dog or a family pet, the Brittany won’t disappoint.

1. Giant Schnauzer

It was Bavarian farmers who developed the Giant Schnauzer by crossing standard examples of the breed with Great Danes. Though it has its origins as a cattle dog, it’s also been used in Germany to guard breweries and is employed today as a police dog. If you decide to adopt one as a pet you’ll need plenty of room. Definitely not an apartment dog!